Work Packages; DIAMOND-Lewy; Newcastle University

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Work Packages

The aim of this programme is to improve the recognition and prompt detection of Lewy body dementia (LBD) through the development of a simple assessment tool and to improve the management of this type of dementia by doctors through the use of an evidence-based 'toolkit'.

The study begins by determining the current diagnostic pathways of people diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and comparing these to the experiences of people with non-Lewy body dementia. The experiences of patients, their family carers and professionals will be also be explored. Findings from these initial studies will inform the development of the toolkit which will then be piloted in memory assessment services and movement disorder clinics.

Work package 1 (Leads: John O'Brien and David Burn)

A baseline study of current practice in LBD diagnosis and management, led by John O'Brien for dementia assessment services and David Burn for neurology and geriatric medicine services. We will identify the proportion of LBD cases currently diagnosed and compare the management pathways of LBD and non-LBD patients.

Work package 2 (Leads: Claire Bamford and Tracy Finch)

Qualitative studies to explore and understand barriers and facilitators to improving the diagnosis and management of LBD in routine NHS practice.

Work package 3 (Leads: Ian McKeith and John-Paul Taylor)

Development of an evidence-based practical management toolkit to guide clinicians in the management of LBD. This will involve a systematic review of existing evidence and input from expert clinical and PPI panels.

Work package 4 (Lead: Alan Thomas)

Development of an assessment toolkit. We will bring together methods of assessing the core LBD symptoms into a simple, quick (< 6 minutes) assessment tool.

Piloting of the assessment toolkit and the management toolkit in order to ensure that they can be integrated into current NHS services. This work will be supported by two clinical research fellows and two research nurses who will assist with the piloting and refinement of the assessment package.

Work package 5 (Leads: John O'Brien and David Burn)

A pilot cluster randomised trial of the assessment toolkit will be led by John O'Brien for dementia assessment services and David Burn for neurology and geriatric medicine services, to assess its impact on patient management and health outcomes.

The clinical research fellows and research nurses will have a major role in implementing this study. An external expert panel will be appointed to validate the diagnoses to ensure accuracy.

Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, United Kingdom. Telephone: (0191) 208 1310

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